Canterbury chorister turns chart-topping rapper

Former St Ed’s pupil Dan Caplen is number one in the charts after learning his trade singing in the world’s greatest church.

The chorister studied music technology at A level before moving to Portland, Oregon where he was signed by Atlantic Records.

‘These Days’ by Rudimental featuring Dan Caplen, Jess Glynne and Macklemore was released on 19 January debuting at number 19 before rising all the way to the top.

His music has been used on Grey’s Anatomy and he has toured with Rag ‘n’ Bone Man and George Ezra. Recently he has performed on Radio 1 and Radio 6 and recently featured on Chris Evans’ Breakfast Show.

Caplen, also known as D/C released his first single “Longing For You” in early 2016, and later that year performed at the Great Escape Festival in Brighton.

Head of Music Technology at St Edmund’s, Ross Underwood, said “Those members of staff old enough to remember Dan, will remember his creativity and his love of music.

“His love of all musical styles, in particular is something that set himself apart from others – he really did have an eclectic taste.”

Canterbury Cathedral organist David Flood is also keen to praise hi former protege saying: “we in the Cathedral choir are very proud of our former chorister Dan Caplen in his success with his new recording These Days.”

He added: “it shows that the great experience with the choral foundation can lead in all sorts of wonderful directions!”

Anyone hoping to see Dan Caplen perform live may be disappointed, at least for the time being. His website currently lists no future tour dates.

But if you just can’t wait, here is the official YouTube video of Rudimental performing ‘These Days’.